As a self-proclaimed design aficionado, I’ve had my fair share of trials and tribulations when it comes to maintaining the perfect floor coverings in my home. From the relentless food flinging of my toddler to the slightly less-than-graceful antics of my beloved senior pup, keeping my rugs looking their best has been a never-ending battle. That is, until I discovered the game-changing world of washable rugs.
The Rug Ruiner: My Cautionary Tale
Let me set the scene. I had gone through three kitchen runners in just two years, and I probably should have replaced them even more often. Most of my rug-related drama was thanks to the dynamic duo of my 2-year-old human and her frenemy fur sibling, my sweet-as-can-be but elderly Papillon, Lulu. Our dining room rug had also suffered the consequences of these relentless stain-makers.
I resigned myself to the fact that I would have to live with dingy, stained rugs until the days of deliberate food flinging and house-training accidents were behind us. There was no point in even trying to replace the kitchen floor covering – the effort was futile, not to mention costly.
The Lightbulb Moment: Enter Washable Rugs
But then, a game-changing lightbulb moment occurred. I realized that there was a solution to my rug-related woes: washable rugs. These beauties that you can simply toss in the washing machine had been gaining popularity on the internet, but I’ll admit, I was a bit of a skeptic in real life.
I had seen Ruggables on various photo shoots I had styled, and while they photograph well and come in a huge range of patterns and colors, they also looked a bit thin and obviously made of synthetic materials. Practical, maybe, but not quite my style.
The Washable Rug Gamble: A Desperate Measure
Desperate times, however, call for desperate measures. I decided that trying a washable rug would be my last-ditch effort to salvage my home’s flooring. Truth be told, you do a lot of things you’d never imagine after becoming a parent. I was willing to give it a shot, even if it meant compromising on my design preferences.
That’s when I discovered the Re-Jute collection from Revival and the 100% cotton washable rugs from Revivals. The Re-Jute collection promised a basket-weave design meant to mimic jute, while the Revivals line offered a range of modern geometric designs that were more in line with my personal style.
The Big Rug Test: Putting Washable Rugs to the Proof
I decided to test three different washable rug options: a rug from Revivals’ washable Recess collection, one from Ruggables’ Re-Jute collection, and a standard Ruggable rug. Here’s how they each held up:
Revivals Washable Rug: The Organic Gem
First Impression: This rug was an absolute delight. It looked like a piece I would have brought into my home before I had to worry about kid and pet stains. It was thick, felt great underfoot, and was made of 100% organic cotton. I even had the guts to try a light color, knowing that it was washable – something I never would have done before the arrival of my mess-making roommates.
After Washing: Since I got a 6-by-9-foot size, I had to take it to a laundromat to use one of their 60-pound machines. Anything smaller can go in a standard at-home washer, but this size required a bit more effort. The rug also had to be air-dried, so I needed the space and climate to accommodate that.
Final Take: I now feel that all rugs should be made this way – no compromise here in any way. This Revivals rug is a 10 out of 10, a true game-changer.
Ruggables Re-Jute Collection: The Sustainable Compromise
First Impression: I had a lot of faith that I would like this rug – it seemed like the answer to my conundrum. Washable, but with the natural-fiber look that I gravitate toward. However, it was much less sisal-like than I was expecting. In its defense, it’s made using recycled plastic bottles, which is a great sustainability story that I can get behind, but it doesn’t quite lend itself to that earthy feeling.
After Washing: Just one wash in and the binding on the edges, which already gave the rug a less-refined look, unraveled a bit, exposing the white cord underneath.
Final Take: Maybe I chose the wrong pattern, or maybe I happened to get one that was defective, but this initial experience left me soured. I’m not saying it’s not right for anyone, but it just wasn’t right for me.
Standard Ruggable Rug: The Surprising Conversion
First Impression: I had seen a couple of Ruggables in person and had written them off. But given my desperate state, I went digging on the site (that verb feels accurate because there are so many options) until I found one that might work. I was skeptical – as in, I assumed I wasn’t going to like it even before it landed on my doorstep. It’s thin and definitely synthetic, but once it was down on the floor, I didn’t really notice either of those factors, and it just looked good in the space.
After Washing: Many, many washes later, and this Ruggable rug looks pretty close to how it did when it arrived. I’m pleasantly surprised, and now I love this thing. The ease of throwing it in the washing machine and dryer whenever and as often as I’d like brings me an unexpected sense of joy.
Final Take: I did a complete 180 here, and now I understand the Ruggable hype. Is this the floor covering of my design aficionado dreams? No, but it is totally what I need right now, and considering how high-traffic a kitchen can be, maybe forever. It gives my kitchen the warmth that it desperately needed, turning it from a utilitarian space to one that actually feels homey, and has stopped me from considering evicting my elderly dog and toddler.
Navigating the Washable Rug Landscape: A Primer
Now that you’ve heard my personal experiences, let’s dive a little deeper into the world of washable rugs and what you need to know to find the perfect one for your home.
Revivals: The Artful Approach
Revivals’ care instructions are guided by rug size. For sizes 5-by-8 to 8-by-10 feet, a 60-pound washing machine is recommended. For comparison, home washing machines usually weigh in at 20 to 25 pounds. For sizes 9-by-12 and above, Revivals recommends spot-cleaning or dry-cleaning. Line drying is recommended, but tumble drying on a no- or low-heat setting is acceptable.
Ruggable: The Versatile Solution
As for Ruggable, all sizes are washable at home, but keep in mind your machine’s size and capacity. For bath-mat size runners and up to 5-by-7-feet options, most apartment-size washers will do, usually around 22 cubic feet. Rugs sized 6-by-9 and 8-by-10, as well as 8-feet rounds, will need a 38-cubic-feet washer. The two larger sizes, 9-by-12 and 10-by-14, require a 42-cubic-feet washer and a 55-cubic-feet washer, respectively.
The Rug Revitalization Revelation
In the end, my journey with washable rugs has been a complete game-changer. I no longer have to live with the constant stress of maintaining pristine floor coverings, and I can actually enjoy my living spaces without constantly worrying about the next spill or accident.
Whether you’re a parent, a pet owner, or simply someone who values the convenience of easy-to-clean floors, I highly recommend exploring the world of washable rugs. With options that cater to a wide range of styles and budgets, there’s sure to be a rug that can transform your home and give you the peace of mind you deserve.
So, what are you waiting for? Start your rug revitalization journey today, and say goodbye to the never-ending cycle of rug replacements. Your floors (and your sanity) will thank you.
